Martijn has departed First Group with immediate effect

https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/boss-c...ccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAABxmq3jsk3kAKkmSciL9q8QxlfIpTIcMnLqOInEJLY423kXXYr2dXtASn55bFh_S_OPqqFiCC3_zV3SC-5vWw0rAXZr6rjwGPV_cruuNWDb61qcXfUjnKXr2uq9MCrQ1toQ6lDvhnRhS-m_gmIuIrIv33Z0VseAPeTrtmXCyxubj

No doubt he’ll fall upwards into another role

As long as he doesnt rock back up at GNE

(12 Jun 2025, 9:13 pm)Ambassador wrote Martijn has departed First Group with immediate effect

https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/boss-c...ccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAABxmq3jsk3kAKkmSciL9q8QxlfIpTIcMnLqOInEJLY423kXXYr2dXtASn55bFh_S_OPqqFiCC3_zV3SC-5vWw0rAXZr6rjwGPV_cruuNWDb61qcXfUjnKXr2uq9MCrQ1toQ6lDvhnRhS-m_gmIuIrIv33Z0VseAPeTrtmXCyxubj

No doubt he’ll fall upwards into another role

Bit of a pattern emerging here - alienate workforce to the point of protracted strikes then run for the hills.

(12 Jun 2025, 9:25 pm)V514DFT wrote As long as he doesnt rock back up at GNE

If COVID didn't hit, it could've been a different story.

(13 Jun 2025, 10:38 am)L469 YVK wrote If COVID didn't hit, it could've been a different story.

I agree, I think he was dealt an extremely unfortunate hand at GNE. Even despite that, there were attempts to try new things and develop services, rather than axing everything in sight like this current mob.

(13 Jun 2025, 6:34 pm)Adrian wrote I agree, I think he was dealt an extremely unfortunate hand at GNE. Even despite that, there were attempts to try new things and develop services, rather than axing everything in sight like this current mob.

I think the main problem is that GAG weren't patient enough to see things out and back to normal.

Whereas Arriva Northumbria and Durham County had a lot of 'inbetween' places to keep them going and strong flows and Stagecoach with their route demographics / areas with low car ownership, a lot of GNE's network relied on MetroCentre and Newcastle City Centre. Both of which took time to get back to normal.

(13 Jun 2025, 10:38 am)L469 YVK wrote If COVID didn't hit, it could've been a different story.

I'm not too sure. 

Bringing a model from elsewhere, dropping it in to the NE and relying on the copy and paste generator was never guaranteed to get results.

There was some expansion to routes, but I never saw anything new or anything exciting or anything different to the vehicle titivations.

Where were the new and innovative links to open up new markets?
The route network now, is pretty much the same as it was before he arrived.

All fur coat and no knickers.

(04 Jul 2025, 12:55 pm)MurdnunoC wrote I guess some posts must be missing because I don't see loads of chit-chat about the route number on here.

Hold-on. I'll refresh the page.

Meh. Still nowt.

Exactly... maybe the chit-chat should be WHY did MG get the boot from Lumo, nevermind his initials.

(04 Jul 2025, 5:31 pm)Superman wrote Exactly... maybe the chit-chat should be WHY did MG get the boot from Lumo, nevermind his initials.

Did he get the boot?, I was of the understanding he put his notice in and then was put on gardening leave by First

(04 Jul 2025, 5:31 pm)Superman wrote Exactly... maybe the chit-chat should be WHY did MG get the boot from Lumo, nevermind his initials.

Howay leave the bloke alone.. instead of speculation eh...

Have you ever thought he may of wanted a change of scenery 

He has done an awful in changing the brand of Lumo and Hull trains and marketing but he is restricted going forward it is not like a bus route where you can buy a new bus and create a bus route - your hands are tied running a railway.

I hope him all the best for his next venture

In the mean time Wonder if 510CLT is running the MG1 service?